Eileen F. McAuliffe, 74, of Glocester passed away on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 after a yearlong battle with Glioblastoma. She was the beloved wife of Richard McAuliffe, Sr. for the past 52 years.
Born in Falmouth, Massachusetts, Eileen was the youngest of three daughters of Luis Otoya and Helen (McCarthy) Otoya. Her father passed away due to complications sustained during World War II when Eileen was only ten months old. Along with her mother and sisters, the family moved to Providence to be closer to family. Eileen was a graduate of St. Mary’s of the Visitation in Providence and then graduated from nursing school following in the footsteps of her mother, aunts and sisters. Working up until her illness last year, Eileen worked well over 50 years in hospitals, nursing homes and group homes caring for our most vulnerable populations. It was her work the past 27 years in the developmental disability community that gave her most joy and fulfillment in her professional life.
Eileen’s family was the most important thing to her and the center of her life. She would often say that her family was her greatest accomplishment. With her husband they raised three boys, Rick, Jr. of East Greenwich, James (Debi) of Dayville, CT and Kevin (Laura) of Glocester. During their childhood, Eileen was a board member with the Foster-Glocester Indians football program and assisted with the Glocester Little League. Whether it was getting sponsorships, running the concession stands or helping organize uniforms, Eileen was always involved for both her kids and the children in the community. She leaves six grandchildren – Jayson, Jake, Trey, Abby, Harper and Lukas. All of them were cheered on constantly during their sporting events, school activities and family competitions. Grandmom was always there with advice on how to hit a curve ball, make a jump shot or play a musical instrument.
In addition to her children and grandchildren, Eileen leaves two sisters, Virginia Stevens (David) of Sun Lakes, Arizona and Louise Pesare (Eddie) of Smithfield, as well as her brother-in-law and sister-in-law David and Eileen McAuliffe of Smithfield. She was a communicant of Saint Philips Church in Greenville and former member of the Glocester Country Club where she played golf with a close group of friends and traveled on vacations near and far. In 2004, Eileen was proud to serve as a delegate for former Secretary of State John Kerry at the Democratic National Convention.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 9:30 am in St. Philips Church, 622 Putnam Pike in Greenville. Seating is limited. Face masks and social distancing is required. Private burial in Acote’s Hill Cemetery, Chepachet. Visiting Hours will be held Friday, February 19, 2021 at 5-7 in the Anderson Winfield Funeral Home, 2 Church Street in Greenville. Due to COVID Regulations there is a 15-person limit inside the building. Please be prepared to wait in line outside in the weather. In lieu of flowers donations in her memory may be made to HopeHealth and Palliative Care, Hulitar Hospice Center, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904 HopeHealth and Palliative Care To view the stream of the service, please visit the St. Philip's Church YouTube page.